THE BRISBANE Lions have extended Melbourne's Etihad Stadium hoodoo, condemning the Demons to their 19th-straight loss at the venue with a 23-point win on Sunday.
Melbourne led by a game-high 14 points early in the final term, but the Lions broke the game open with a six-goal final quarter.
Both teams struggled for fluency in an ugly match, despite the perfect conditions under the open roof.
The Demons' wastefulness in front of goal came back to bite them and Justin Leppitsch's Lions were lucky to still be in the contest at the final change.
The Dees only led 43-36 at three-quarter time despite having 18 scoring shots to 12.
However, the Lions dominated the inside 50 count 60-34 and it eventually told in the 11.8 (74) to 6.15 (51) triumph.
"I didn't think it (inside 50s) would get us over the line. I was just hoping that we were able to find a way through," Lepptisch said post-match.
"We were just efficient (in the last quarter). That's pretty much the game in summary. We had a lot of inside 50s – we smashed them in that area – and they smashed us in efficiency inside 50.
"The encouraging signs are things we're working on now are smaller things as opposed to the big-ticket stuff."
The Lions had only kicked five goals to the final change but they broke the shackles in the last quarter and more than doubled their score.
Rohan Bail put the Demons 13 points up two minutes into the last quarter and the Dees looked to have done enough.
But Daniel Merrett, who was reported for a late hit in the fourth term that left Cam Pedersen with a suspected broken nose, had other ideas.
The Lions spearhead kicked truly at the nine-minute mark, sparking a six-goal run with Jed Adcock, Michael Close, Daniel McStay, Ryan Harwood and Lewis Taylor getting in on the act.
Tom Rockliff was outstanding for the Lions with 32 disposals, while Rohan Bewick put in a solid four-quarter effort on the wing and finished with 27 touches.
Pearce Hanley again showed his class across half-back with 24 touches and Daniel McStay booted three goals.
Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones could hold his head high after the Demons' six-straight loss.
The tough midfielder finished with 30 disposals and a goal, while Dom Tyson had 27 possessions and one major.
Melbourne free agent James Frawley presented well all day in attack, taking 10 marks and kicking one goal.
The Lions notched their third win from the past five games and sixth for the season to pull level with Carlton and the Western Bulldogs at 6-12.
The Demons have still not won at Etihad Stadium since round 19, 2007 and at 4-14 remain stuck in 17th spot, 11.7 per cent ahead of bottom-placed St Kilda.
It was a forgettable game for the Demons and for spectators, according to Melbourne coach Paul Roos.
"Today was as frustrating a game of footy as I've ever seen," he said.
"I haven't seen anything like that before in my time.
"The mistakes were extraordinary. Extraordinary."
Melbourne midfielder Nathan Jones tries to win possession on Sunday. Picture: AFL Media
MELBOURNE 3.3 4.8 5.13 6.15 (51)
BRISBANE LIONS 3.3 4.3 5.6 11.8 (74)
GOALS
Melbourne: Kent 2, Frawley, N. Jones, Tyson, Bail
Brisbane Lions: McStay 2, Close 2, Beams, Hanley, McStay, Merrett, Adcock, Harwood, Taylor
BEST
Melbourne: Howe, N. Jones, Tyson, Frawley, Terlich,
Brisbane Lions: Rockliff, Bewick, Martin, Adcock, Hanley, Gardiner, McStay
INJURIES
Melbourne: McDonald (ankle), Pedersen (nose), Tapscott (bone bruising in knee)
Brisbane Lions: Maguire (foot)
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Jay Kennedy-Harris replaced Luke Tapscott in the third quarter
Brisbane Lions: Ash McGrath replaced Ryan Lester in the third quarter
Reports: Daniel Merrett (Brisbane Lions) reported for striking Cam Pedersen (Melbourne) in the fourth quarter
Umpires: Donlon, Harris, O'Gorman
Official crowd: 18,079 at Etihad Stadium
